Jordan J and the Truth about Jordan J The Kids Under the Stairs

By: K. A. Holt

Published by Chronicle Books LLC, 2026-03-31

<b>Now in paperback! This laugh-out-loud, honest novel-in-verse from award-winning author K.A. Holt tells the story of Jordan J--an opinionated middle schooler trying to find his place at school, at home, and even on the dance floor.</b><br> <br> <br> <br> Jordan J has a lot to say.<br> <br> <br> <br> Most people--including his parents, his teacher, the kids under the stairs, and even his own self--don't understand why he says all the things he says. It's probably the reason he's managed to earn a personal grudge from the school's dance team, the Hart Rocketeers, who are outraged by his brutally honest dance reviews in the school newspaper.<br> <br> <br> <br> Basically, the only thing he can concentrate on these days is performing on his favorite dance show, <i>Fierce Across America</i>. But with his mom's recent unemployment and money being so tight at home, his dreams are crashing. Suddenly, an opportunity arises in the form of Casey Price, the only Rocketeer who doesn't hate his guts. With her help, Jordan J just might have the chance to showcase his electric moves on national TV. But as he starts spending more time with Casey and less with his old friends, Jordan J begins to wonder how he can ever make everyone happy--including himself.<br> <br> <br> <br> With a lovable cast of characters, never-before-seen dance moves, and bighearted passion, this exhilarating and hilarious novel-in-verse tells an authentic story about friendship, dance, and self-confidence that celebrates different types of intelligence and shows how every kid deserves to become their own "divergent" self.<br> <br> <br> <br> This third book in K.A. Holt's <i>The Kids Under the Stairs</i> series will appeal to fans of <i>House Arrest</i>, <i>Rhyme Schemer</i>, and <i>Knockout</i>, as well as fans of Jason Reynolds's Track series.<br> <br> <br> <br> RENOWNED AUTHOR: K.A. Holt's books have been nominated for awards in more than thirty states. She is a trusted name and a favorite for middle-grade readers!<br> <br> <br> <br> PERFECT FOR RELUCTANT READERS: This book is written in free verse and includes a variety of visual elements--chat logs, bullet-pointed lists, newspaper articles, and illustrations--welcoming all different types of readers. The characters in the book also struggle with reading, but they are not shamed or looked down on for it, so readers with similar issues will feel understood.<br> <br> <br> <br> VIDEO GAME APPEAL: The characters in the book play Sandbox, which readers will instantly recognize as a fictionalized version of Minecraft, an immensely popular game. Playing Sandbox is depicted as both cool and educational, which will uplift rather than shame young readers for playing video games.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Perfect for: <ul> <li>Reluctant readers</li> <li>Fans of video games and unique, multi-format stories</li> <li>Neurodiverse readers and fans of accessible middle-grade fiction</li> <li>Teachers, educators, and librarians</li> <li>Readers of The Kids Under the Stairs series, including <i>BenBee and the Teacher Griefer</i> and <i>Ben Y and the Ghost in the Machine</i></li> </ul>